Did you choose which political party you supported based on what your friends or family believed, without doing proper research? Have you always considered yourself a die-hard Democrat or Liberal but aren’t sure that really fits you? We have created a quiz that will tell you what political party your core beliefs fall under. Once you take the quiz you can come back here for in depth definitions of your results.
Conservative
If your result was conservative you probably believe the US needs better security at the border. You believe the death penalty is neither cruel nor unusual when you’re trying a murder case. Many conservatives believe the government should not have the right to regulate business or gun control. You believe in a small government with less social programs. Many conservatives believe social programs should aim for helping people for short periods of time, in order for them to help themselves. You may believe the only way to maintain peace overseas is to maintain a US military presence with limited diplomacy in countries who are our allies. States should have the ability to regulate themselves and abortion should be completely illegal. You believe in traditional family values. Many conservatives believe christian holidays and symbols should be allowed at public schools. You may also believe healthcare would benefit more from staying privatized and the uninsured being helped through limited government programs to provide basic healthcare to all. According to Jonathan Haidt’s TedTalk: The moral roots of liberal and conservatives, conservatives believe in three attributes that are not as highly-valued by liberals: loyalty, respect for authority, and sanctity.
Republicans
Republicans tend to take a more conservative stand on issues. You believe that the federal government should not play a big role in people’s lives. Most Republicans favor lower taxes for everyone to promote the workforce and less government spending on social programs. You believe the government should have stricter guidelines for social programs and shouldnt fund things such as abortions. Many republicans believe states should have the ability to choose whether they recognize same-sex marriage or not. Most republicans believe the US should maintain peace with some countries through military presence and intelligence and others with diplomacy. You may believe the effects “going green” would have on the economy would outweigh the few benefits. You believe in less big government intervention in business and private affairs. You likely believe gun control is an issue of enforcing gun laws and requirements, not one of gun ownership. Many republicans believe in only legal immigration, as well as enforcing border security.
Democrats
Democrats are sometimes referred to as “the Party of the People,” attracting immigrants, LGBTQ, women, and minorities. Democrats tend to take a more liberal stand on issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and immigration. Most democrats believe the few jobs that would be created by “going green” would combat the potential job losses and are worth the risk to the economy. You believe that the federal government should take a more active role in people’s lives, particularly those who are in need. You believe everyone should have access to all aspects of helathcare and same-sex partners have a right to marry. You may also believe the government should pay for abortions for women who can’t afford them.
Liberal
Many Liberals believe the only way to achieve change is to exercise the freedom of speech and freedom to protest. You believe everyone has the right to do whatever they want within reason. You believe abortion should be paid for by the government and everyone on US soil should have access to healthcare. Most Liberals believe there should be relaxed borders and everyone should be allowed to enter the US. You likely believe that the government should have a hand in everything from business to private affairs such as gun ownership. Many liberals believe there should be a definite separation of church and state. According to Jonathon Haidt’s TedTalk, Liberals are more open to experience. This means they crave things such as travel, variety, novelty, and diversity rather than their Conservative counterparts who crave dependability and stability.
Moderate
Many people who are moderate identify as independent or whichever way they find themselves leaning in a current election. You may have what some would call conflicting views. You may believe doctor assisted suicide should be allowed for those with incurable illnesses in order to reduce their inevitable suffering; then, you may disagree with the death penalty for all cases. Many moderates believe abortion is wrong but also recognize women have a right to choose to carry a pregnancy. You believe wealthier people should have higher taxes but social programs should not be paid for with them. You may also believe in stricter guidelines for social programs, gun control, and immigration. Many people who are moderate believe the rules should have exceptions in cases where they are deemed necessary.
Did your results shock you, or were you not surprised? No matter how you identify we are all American and should be tolerant and respectful of each other. We may not agree on everything… or anything, but being civil while still standing strong in our beliefs should be an American way of life. Everyone who was born on US soil or is a legal US immigrant has the right to believe whatever they want when it comes to religion and politics, that is true freedom.
Written by: Erinn Malloy